Abstract: A wheeled platform for moveably supporting an object comprises a planar base, at least three straps, and at least three wheels. The base includes (i) at least three slots; and (ii) at least three base apertures extending through the base. Each of the straps includes (i) an end wall including an engagement element configured to engage a part of the object to releasably secure the wheeled platform to the object; and (ii) a strap aperture. Each of the straps is positioned with the end wall of the strap extending through a corresponding one of the slots within the base, such that each strap aperture is aligned with a corresponding one of the base apertures. Each wheel stem is secured extending through a corresponding set of aligned apertures to fix the components of the wheeled platform together in place.

Abstract: A connector for removably securing a first member having a hollow cavity with a second member such that a portion of the second member is removably fixed within the hollow cavity of the first member. The connector is configured to be inserted into the hollow cavity and has an outer bearing surface configured to rest in abutting engagement with the corresponding portion of the inner wall of the cavity when the connector is inserted into the cavity. The connector also includes an inner bearing surface that corresponds with a portion of an outer wall or surface of a second member and is additionally configured to accommodate the use of a force applicator to press the second member against the inner bearing surface and to press the outer bearing surface against the first member's inner wall to removably fix the second member and connector within the cavity.

Abstract: A connector for removably securing a first member having a hollow cavity with a second member such that a portion of the second member is removably fixed within the hollow cavity of the first member. The connector is configured to be inserted into the hollow cavity and has an outer bearing surface configured to rest in abutting engagement with the corresponding portion of the inner wall of the cavity when the connector is inserted into the cavity. The connector also includes an inner bearing surface that corresponds with a portion of an outer wall or surface of a second member and is additionally configured to accommodate the use of a force applicator to press the second member against the inner bearing surface and to press the outer bearing surface against the first member's inner wall to removably fix the second member and connector within the cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle ramp comprising two outer side rails, a plurality of rungs configured to extend between the side rails, and at least one connecting member configured to releasably secure the side rails in place with the rungs therebetween. A plurality of slots in each side rail are configured to receive opposing ends of the rungs and to hold the same in place when the side rails are secured together by the connecting member.

Abstract: A high-performance, fast-response, multi-sensor pressure probe for velocity and pressure measurement applications in unsteady and turbulent flowfields. The invention includes both 5 and 7-sensor probes, hemispherical-tip probes and conical-tip probes of various diameters. The present invention eliminates the need for long pressure tubing in such probes by placing the sensors adjacent the flow apertures which leads to a dramatic response in probe measurement frequency response which extends the use of the invention to unsteady and turbulent flows.

Abstract: A vehicle ramp comprising two outer side rails, a plurality of rungs configured to extend between the side rails, and at least one connecting member configured to releasably secure the side rails in place with the rungs therebetween. A plurality of slots in each side rail are configured to receive opposing ends of the rungs and to hold the same in place when the side rails are secured together by the connecting member.

Abstract: A connection assembly for connecting parts of a multi-component product comprising a post having two releasably interlocking sides and an extension member. A slot provided in the exterior sidewall of the post at the juncture of the interlocking sides is configured to mate with the extension member. The extension member may be engaged with the slot when the two sides of the post are in a separated unlocked position. The two sides may then be placed in an interlocking position so as to fixedly connect the extension member therebetween.

Abstract: A high-performance, fast-response, multi-sensor pressure probe for velocity and pressure measurement applications in unsteady and turbulent flowfields. The invention includes both 5 and 7-sensor probes, hemispherical-tip probes and conical-tip probes of various diameters. The present invention eliminates the need for long pressure tubing in such probes by placing the sensors adjacent the flow apertures which leads to a dramatic response in probe measurement frequency response which extends the use of the invention to unsteady and turbulent flows.

Abstract: A wheelchair ramp assembly (10) is disclosed as including a first ramp section (22) and a second ramp section (24) joined by a keyway joint (26). The keyway joint (26) connects the two ramp section (22, 24) surfaces when the ramp is in an extended position. The keyway joint (26) includes a first ramp section outer rotating member (64a) and a second ramp section outer rotating member (64b) that each rotate about an inner member (68). The inner member (68) is configured to limit the rotation of the outer members (64) with respect to one another, thereby limiting the rotation of the first ramp section (22) with respect to the second ramp section (24).

Abstract: A connection assembly for connecting parts of a multi-component product comprising a post having two releasably interlocking sides and an extension member. A slot provided in the exterior sidewall of the post at the juncture of the interlocking sides is configured to mate with the extension member. The extension member may be engaged with the slot when the two sides of the post are in a separated unlocked position. The two sides may then be placed in an interlocking position so as to fixedly connect the extension member therebetween.

Abstract: A system for capturing, storing and retrieving movies recorded in a video format and stored in a compressed digital format at a central distribution site is described. A plurality of remote distribution locations are connected through fiber optic connections to the central distribution site. The remote sites maybe of one of two types: a video retail store or a cable television (CATV) head end. In the case of a video retail store, VHS videotapes, other format videotapes or other video media may be manufactured on-demand in as little as three to five minutes for rental or sell-through. A totally automated manufacturing system is described in which the customers can preview and order movies for rental and sale from video kiosks. The selected movie is then either retrieved from local cache storage or downloaded from the central distribution site for manufacturing onto a blank or reused videotape.

Abstract: A curved snap fastener opener has a wedged shape with a recess at one end. As the wedge end of the opener is slid between the snap fastener base and the snap fastener cap, the curved shape of the opener provides an upward pressure on the cap of the snap fastener which assists in separating the cap from the base of the snap fastener. The surfaces of the opener have no sharp discontinuities which can result in breakage if additional pressure is applied at the end of the opener opposite the wedge end to pry open unyielding snap fasteners. The opener is small and has an opening which allows it to be carried on key holders such as key chains and key rings.

Abstract: A head restraining system including a helmet having a chin protector formed thereon, a keeper plate overlying the shoulders, upper chest, including the sternum area, and upper back of the driver, a plurality of straps connecting the shoulder, chest and back portion of the keeper plate to aligned portions of the helmet and a pair of shoulder straps securing the keeper plate to the driver.

Abstract: An annular metal outer race with a concave bore is placed in an outer mold. A pair of coaxial annular inner molds are inserted into the outer race. Liquid plastic is flowed into an annular space between the inner molds and the outer race. The liquid plastic is allowed to solidify and shrink whereby a clearance between the plastic ball outside diameter and the outer race is provided.